Sex and Violence on Television Essay -- Television Media TV Essays

Sex and Violence on Television   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Since its inception, television has been the center of controversy. Often it has been viewed as being extremely detrimental to society, and because of this, it is often referred to as the "Boob-tube" or the "Idiot-box". So what makes television so detrimental? - The content (or in the opinion of many) the lack thereof. It is said that television has caused the rotting of our minds, that it depreciates the imagination and contributes to laziness. But the most important accusation against what comes over the airwaves, is that it influences some people into committing antisocial and often immoral behavior. Narrowing down the search of the most important problems reveals an excess of sexual and violent material on Television, most of which is readily available to young and extremely impressionable viewers. This material is often said to be the cause for the increase of violent crimes and open promiscuity, which has become more apparent over the past few d ecades. However, many would disagree with this standpoint. They believe that the amount of sex and violence seen each day on television is not the cause of societal woes, but has been caused by the problems that are witnessed in the real world every day. Perhaps it is just another case of which came first, the chicken or the egg? Also, the television industry is one of the most profitable of all industries, especially in this country, for, "Sex sells," as the saying goes. As for the violence that we see, only violence packed movies make as much money as they do and they are more likely to receive a lot of attention when first viewed on network television than non-violent blockbusters. As a movie executive once put it, "Violence is going ... ... Cancels Crime Show That Fails to Get Any Ads."The New York Times3 May 1989:D1. "Celebrate the Freedom to Read: Read 1996's Most Challenged Books." American Library Association. 1996. Go To Constitution of the United States of America.Amendment I. Eysenck, H. J. "Sex Violence and the Media." New York: St. Martin's Press1978. Godwin, Mike. "Why We'll Win: When Uncle Sam gets out of line, Good Lawyers Are The Best Revenge" HotWired. 1996. Go To Guyton, Kady. "Censored Literature Draws Attention." Student Publications Inc. 1995. Go To Haithman, Diane."Housewife Critic of TV Finds Less to Protest."Los Angeles Times 22 July 1989:V1. Wyatt, Robert O., David Neft, David P. Badger."Free Expression and the American Public: A Survey Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the First Amendment." Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 1991. Sex and Violence on Television Essay -- Television Media TV Essays Sex and Violence on Television   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Since its inception, television has been the center of controversy. Often it has been viewed as being extremely detrimental to society, and because of this, it is often referred to as the "Boob-tube" or the "Idiot-box". So what makes television so detrimental? - The content (or in the opinion of many) the lack thereof. It is said that television has caused the rotting of our minds, that it depreciates the imagination and contributes to laziness. But the most important accusation against what comes over the airwaves, is that it influences some people into committing antisocial and often immoral behavior. Narrowing down the search of the most important problems reveals an excess of sexual and violent material on Television, most of which is readily available to young and extremely impressionable viewers. This material is often said to be the cause for the increase of violent crimes and open promiscuity, which has become more apparent over the past few d ecades. However, many would disagree with this standpoint. They believe that the amount of sex and violence seen each day on television is not the cause of societal woes, but has been caused by the problems that are witnessed in the real world every day. Perhaps it is just another case of which came first, the chicken or the egg? Also, the television industry is one of the most profitable of all industries, especially in this country, for, "Sex sells," as the saying goes. As for the violence that we see, only violence packed movies make as much money as they do and they are more likely to receive a lot of attention when first viewed on network television than non-violent blockbusters. As a movie executive once put it, "Violence is going ... ... Cancels Crime Show That Fails to Get Any Ads."The New York Times3 May 1989:D1. "Celebrate the Freedom to Read: Read 1996's Most Challenged Books." American Library Association. 1996. Go To Constitution of the United States of America.Amendment I. Eysenck, H. J. "Sex Violence and the Media." New York: St. Martin's Press1978. Godwin, Mike. "Why We'll Win: When Uncle Sam gets out of line, Good Lawyers Are The Best Revenge" HotWired. 1996. Go To Guyton, Kady. "Censored Literature Draws Attention." Student Publications Inc. 1995. Go To Haithman, Diane."Housewife Critic of TV Finds Less to Protest."Los Angeles Times 22 July 1989:V1. Wyatt, Robert O., David Neft, David P. Badger."Free Expression and the American Public: A Survey Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the First Amendment." Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 1991.

Thorn Queen Chapter Sixteen

I tossed and turned that night, surprised I didn't lapse into the alcohol-induced coma I'd kind of hoped for. I finally woke up with the sunrise and decided to leave before too many people noticed. Only a few servants were up and around, for which I was grateful. I didn't want to see Shaya's concerned look or listen to Dorian and Ysabel flirt over breakfast. I didn't want to think about what the two of them had done last night-or why it bothered me so much. I was Dorian's friend. That was enough. Before leaving, I stuck my head downstairs in the prison. The night shift of guards was still awake and alert, and Volusian kept his emotionless watch in the cell's corner. Jasmine was curled up in a ball, fast asleep, though I could see dried tears on her cheeks. Unguarded in sleep, she seemed very young. I transitioned back to Tucson, bearing one of the worst hangovers of my life. Despite the fact that it was later in the morning there, my house was as still as the castle had been. Considering the way the cats and dogs watched me expectantly, I had to assume Tim hadn't gotten up to feed them yet. I let the dogs out in the backyard and told the cats they'd have to wait. As for me, I downed two glasses of water and half a bottle of aspirin practically, before collapsing in my room. My own bed provided the comfort the castle's couldn't, and I slept heavily for two hours. I felt a lot better when I got up, and a shower improved things further. The smells of French toast wafted out to me, and my tormented stomach welcomed the thought of food. I headed out to the kitchen to tell Tim to serve up a double helping and found that he wasn't alone. A girl in her twenties sat at the table, giggling and wearing his Homeland Security T-shirt. Tim stood at the stove with the aforementioned French toast, bare-chested in sweatpants and several beaded necklaces. â€Å"Oh, hi,† squeaked the girl. â€Å"Eug! What are you-er, greetings of the morning, Sister Eugenie.† Tim held up his palm. â€Å"I did not realize you were home.† I rolled my eyes, having no patience for his routine this morning. I poured myself a cup of coffee. â€Å"I hope you've got real maple syrup.† He handed me over a plate of French toast, fresh off the stove. I think it had been intended for his lady friend, but he knew better. I found the maple syrup in the refrigerator, doused the toast liberally, and then headed back out to the living room without another word to either of them. A few minutes later, Tim scurried in, looking sheepish. â€Å"You know you aren't supposed to bring them home,† I said. â€Å"Yeah, I know. It's just†¦well, I didn't actually think you'd be home with the way things have been lately.† â€Å"Not unreasonable,† I conceded. â€Å"But that doesn't change the rules. You stay at their places.† He nodded. â€Å"Can she at least finish breakfast before I kick her out?† I chewed my own food, thinking about what I had to do today. I swallowed and sighed. â€Å"You can let her stay all morning. I'm leaving soon anyway†¦I'll probably be gone most of the day.† Tim brightened with unexpected pleasure. â€Å"Really? Oh, sweet. Thanks, Eug. You're the best-â€Å" I handed him my empty plate. â€Å"Just get me a refill, and we'll call it even.† Since telling Lara to keep my schedule open, I now had days with no plans-which proved terribly convenient today. I was going to drive out to Yellow River again to talk to Abigail and Art and try to make some sense of this red snake business. There were too many questions and loose ends surrounding it all, and I needed to start tying some of it up so that I could get on with my life. The downside of a drive like that was that it gave me lots of time to think. Lots and lots of time. It was a clear day, and there were no major cities along the way. It was just me, my mind, and the open road. I kept thinking about how Kiyo and I had last driven this trek together and the sex that had followed at the hotel. I thought about him and Maiwenn now, celebrating the birth of their daughter. I thought about my breakdown with Dorian and my fears that Kiyo wouldn't want me anymore. I'd brought my cell phone with me and had it sitting on the passenger seat, volume up high. I didn't want to miss a call from Kiyo†¦because surely he'd call to tell me about his daughter as soon as he could, right? If I hadn't heard anything, it meant he was still in the Otherworld, which-as one might imagine-didn't have the greatest cell coverage. We'd visited Art first last time, but when I got off the highway, I found I was closer to Abigail's. So, I drove through Yellow River's modest downtown-past the sex-toy store-and parked outside her building. It was afternoon by now, and people were out and about, with tourists in particular poking their heads into the antiques store beneath Abigail's apartment. I found the little doorway by the store's entrance and headed upstairs, wondering if I'd be overrun with cats. But I wasn't-largely because I never made it into the apartment. I knocked several times and even called Abigail's name once. When that didn't pan out, I dialed the number Roland had given me. I got her voice mail but nothing more. â€Å"So much for that,† I muttered. Maybe it was just as well. Art was the one who held most of my attention anyway, what with his tattoo and all. He was the one who needed to be questioned. So, I left the town for the suburbs, and in full daylight I could really take in how cute Art's neighborhood was. The houses were large and new like his, and his neighbors appeared to love their lawns just as much. I didn't see Art outside, but a large red SUV in the driveway boded well for him being around. I knocked twice on the door, and for a moment, I thought he too must be out and about. Just as I nearly rang the doorbell, he finally opened the door. His hair was damp, like he'd just come out of the shower, and he held a pair of hedge clippers in one hand. â€Å"Eugenie!† His face split into a grin. â€Å"This is a surprise.† The smile momentarily faltered. â€Å"Is everything okay? Roland†¦?† â€Å"Fine, fine,† I assured him. â€Å"I just wanted to ask you some more questions.† â€Å"You drove a long way for that,† he mused, stepping outside and shutting the door behind him. People had an easier time lying over the phone, but I could hardly tell him that. â€Å"I had the time and thought it would make things simpler.† â€Å"Sure. I'm happy for the company†¦so long as you don't mind hanging out with me while I get a little work done?† He waved the clippers by way of explanation. â€Å"No problem.† He offered me something to drink first, but I was still holding on to coffee I'd bought at a gas station and declined. I sat down on his front step while he began trimming some of the thick shrubs flanking the front of the house. They were thick and heavy-leaved, filled with pretty yellow blossoms. They seemed to want to consume the house, and I was reminded of Sleeping Beauty's castle, and the thorns that had surrounded it. He didn't cut their overall height but mostly seemed concerned with making them look neat. â€Å"I stopped by Abigail's on my way here, but she didn't seem to be home.† â€Å"I think she's in El Paso for a few days,† Art said. The muscles in his arms bulged, raising his T-shirt's sleeve and showing me the coiled red snake. â€Å"Her sister lives there. They're close, which is good, but I sure could have used her help with a banishing the other day. You should have come by then. It was a gentry girl, actually-you were looking for those, right?† â€Å"Yes,† I said, startled. â€Å"I take it you managed to send her back on your own?† â€Å"Yeah. She wasn't that tough. More scared than anything else.† I sipped my coffee, trying to make sense of this new development. I may have very well indeed jumped to conclusions about Art's kidnapping role. Maybe Moria had just been banished after wandering here. â€Å"Do your jobs ever actually take you to the Otherworld?† I asked. He gave a gruff laugh. â€Å"Not if I can help it. Those transitions are a bitch, even with that crossroads. I haven't actually been over in†¦I don't know. Years.† â€Å"Huh,† I said. Art paused in his clipping, giving me a puzzled look. â€Å"Why do you ask?† â€Å"I've heard stories-that is, gentry rumors-about some human over there who kind of sounds like you.† â€Å"Like me?† His confusion grew. â€Å"That's a little weird.† â€Å"It was a human with a red snake tattoo.† I didn't mean to sound accusatory, but a tiny bit of it slipped into my tone. â€Å"Why on earth would I lie about crossing over?† he asked. He wasn't angry, exactly, but some of that friendly demeanor had cooled a little. â€Å"Whoa, hey. I didn't say you did.† I tried not to sound too defensive. â€Å"It was just weird that there were sightings of someone who looked like you near where your crossroads lets out.† â€Å"The gentry I've banished are probably getting confused and thinking I was in their world when I kicked them out of this one†¦it's honestly hard to understand how any of them think. And you know how disorienting banishing is.† â€Å"Yeah, I know. I'm just saying the story I heard was weird.† Art said he'd kicked a gentry girl out, but Moria sure had sounded like she'd escaped. If I thought his attitude was cool earlier, it was frigid now. â€Å"I find it equally weird that a shaman is chummy enough with gentry to be listening to their stories-and concerned about them. Why does it matter to you if humans are over there anyway?† â€Å"Because those humans might be harming gentry.† â€Å"And?† â€Å"And it's not right.† He snorted and returned to his trimming. â€Å"They're gentry, Eugenie. They're not like us. And from what I hear, you're not all that gentle with them anyway.† â€Å"When they're in this world, yeah.† â€Å"Any world, Eugenie. They're literally not human. Why do you care so much?† â€Å"None of your business.† The harsh words were out before I could stop them. Art paused again and this time turned to fully face me. â€Å"And it's none of your business where I go and what I do-in either world.† My heart lurched in my chest. â€Å"What, are you saying it is you? That you have been over in the Otherworld recently?† â€Å"I'm saying I'm done with this discussion. You're not welcome here if you're just going to toss around ridiculous accusations-accusations that don't even matter.† â€Å"It matters to them.† â€Å"I think you're asking the wrong questions here. You need to examine your motives and figure out why you're so eager to defend those who have no regard for us-and why you're picking fights with your own kind.† I shot up, careful of the coffee. â€Å"I'm not picking a fight.† â€Å"Then get out of here before there is one.† We stood there, locked in antagonism, and I wondered if it would come to a fight. I was armed, and he wasn't, though he was bigger and better-muscled. No, that was stupid. Why would he fight? He hadn't confessed to anything, only grown hostile at what he read as me accusing him of things he didn't consider crimes. That didn't make him guilty-but it didn't make him innocent either. Something just didn't feel right here. â€Å"Fine,† I said, backing off. â€Å"I didn't mean to upset you. I'm just trying to figure things out and make sure no one's being wronged.† He smiled, but it was a far cry from the easy grin that had greeted me. â€Å"What in God's name would you do if someone was? Come on, Eugenie. Don't overinflate your sense of obligation-or importance. There's no shaman police. You don't have any jurisdiction or right to dictate what I or anyone else around here-or anywhere-does.† â€Å"Noted,† I said, heading toward my car. I was afraid if I stayed, I was going to say something I'd regret. Regardless if he had a role in all this, I didn't like the callous way he treated gentry-particularly since it was similar to the attitude I'd once had. â€Å"I'll send your regards to Roland.† â€Å"Make sure you do,† called Art. â€Å"And maybe you should have a talk with him about some of these ideas while you're at it. Roland knows what's right.† I bit my lip and got in the car without further comment. So. No real answers here, but something felt wrong about Art. He was too guarded and hostile, and despite his claims about not having been to the Otherworld recently, the rest of his comments made it seem very plausible that he could be lying. Yet, I realized what also bothered me as much as his reticence was his attitude toward the gentry. Roland's was similar, albeit not as harsh, and he'd warned me away plenty of times. Kiyo also wanted me to keep out of gentry affairs-inasmuch as I could-which was rather hypocritical, considering his involvement. I was enmeshed, whether I liked it or not, and had accepted that my views on the gentry had changed. They were odd, and I didn't always approve of them, but in their hearts, I knew they were people not all that different from me, full of the same feelings and hopes. I couldn't understand how Art or anyone else could think girls disappearing was unimportant-even if they were gentry. It occurred to me as I drove away that Art hadn't invited me inside either time. Coincidence? His meticulous yard certainly suggested he spent as much time outdoors as within. And yet†¦would I have found some evidence in there to shed more light on his activities? Damn. There was nothing to be done for it now, not with Art still there and suspicious of me. As I drove back through town toward the highway, a backup plan came to me. What had Art said? That Abigail was out of town for a few days? As of yet, I had no evidence whatsoever to suggest that she was involved with any of this Otherworldly intrigue, but she was an associate of Art's. Maybe there was something to be unearthed at her place. So, I parked outside her apartment once more and slipped in past the antiques store. My athame, wand, and gun were my usual tools of the trade, but I did carry a few little-used ones, such as a quartz crystal for reading energy. I also had a small lock-picking kit I kept in my bag. Imps, trolls, and other creatures of that ilk sometimes tried to lock themselves away from me. If Abigail's lock wasn't particularly state of the art, I should be able to get in. It wasn't, and judging from the lack of beeping, there was no alarm system within either. The closest she had was her herd of cats. They swarmed around me in a furry, slithering mass, less hostile than hungry. I wondered who fed them when she was gone. Uneasily, I decided to make this search quick, lest an unsuspecting pet sitter come trolling around. Searching wasn't easy since the place was still cluttered with books, incense, and candles. My task was made more difficult by the fact that I had no clue what I was looking for. I lifted and moved things as best I could, hoping the place wouldn't look ransacked. In spite of the mess, I was again struck by how nice the apartment was, how it had been expensively restored. The floors were true hardwoods-no laminate here-and all the molding and crownwork was elaborate and beautiful. This place couldn't be cheap, and it seemed a shame she'd let her pack-rat habits get the best of it. Not that I was one to talk. I concluded my search with a quick scan of the bedroom. It was less messy and hence had less to browse. Her duvet was a patchwork of brightly colored silks, and the closet was filled with scarves and gauzy dresses. A jewelry box on her dresser displayed a stunning collection of necklaces and rings, and beside it was-so help me-a pair of handcuffs. I almost laughed, trying to imagine New Agey Abigail into something kinky. Maybe I hadn't been the only one to visit the sex-toy shop. Of course, whereas mine had been cheap and lightweight, these were industrial-strength steel ones, like cops would use. If she was into kinky stuff, then it was pretty hardcore. I drove back to Tucson after that, arriving in early evening. My autopilot sense of direction started to take me home, and then, at the last moment, I called Tim. â€Å"Has Kiyo called or stopped by?† â€Å"Nope. But one of his cats threw up on the living-room floor.† â€Å"That's not quite the same.† We disconnected, and I checked my cell phone for the hundredth time. Nope. No missed calls there either. With a sigh, I turned toward Saguaro National Park and its easy-access crossroads. If Kiyo couldn't emerge from the Otherworld and into this one, then perhaps he'd sent some sort of message to the Thorn Land. I felt stupid and desperate, like a girl waiting by the phone. But what else could I do? Unfortunately, the Otherworldly news was no better. â€Å"No, your majesty,† said Nia. Her voice was anxious and apologetic, as though she herself was personally to blame. â€Å"There's been no word.† I thanked her and figured that if I'd gone to the trouble to come here, I should find Shaya and get some sort of update. When I went searching, however, it was a most unexpected visitor I found instead: Girard, the dark-skinned courtier and metalsmith from Maiwenn's party. â€Å"Your majesty,† he said with a bow, as flamboyant as ever. â€Å"I was hoping I'd see you before I had to leave.† â€Å"Before you had to†¦what are you doing here?† I asked, more perplexed than displeased by his presence. â€Å"I've come to bring you this.† Like a magician producing a rabbit from under his cape, Girard held out a stunning necklace. The chain was made of exquisite, swirling links that rippled like water, and a pear-shaped sapphire ringed in pearls hung from it. â€Å"Oh my God,† I gasped, taking it from him. â€Å"This is incredible. Did you make this?† â€Å"Yes, your majesty.† His voice was modest, but he was clearly pleased by my regard. â€Å"Who's it from?† Recalling the comments others had made about his political aspirations, I half-expected it to be a gift from him. Then, suddenly and hopefully, I wondered if Kiyo had sent it as a token of affection since he had to spend so much time away from me. I wouldn't have put it past Dorian either, but he would have presented it himself. â€Å"It's from Prince Leith of the Rowan Land.† Of course. I should have known. Leith accepting his fate last night had been too good to be true. â€Å"His highness adds that he'll also have me make a crown to match if you would like. He sends this with his greatest love and devotion.† â€Å"I'm sure he does.† I sighed and handed the necklace back. â€Å"Well, a crown is definitely out of the question, I'm afraid. And actually†¦I'm really sorry, Girard, but I can't even keep this. I hate for your work to go to waste.† He took the necklace and deftly slipped it into one of his many pockets. â€Å"It's no trouble at all. I understand how romantic affairs go-or rather, how they don't go. His highness will be sad, but I enjoyed the chance to work on something new for a change, so it was worth it, even if it won't grace your neck.† I recalled how he lived at Katrice's court. â€Å"What do you usually work on?† He made a small face. â€Å"Her majesty Queen Katrice is partial to animals and collects figurines, jewelry†¦anything depicting them. Last week, I made a crystal squirrel. It was lovely, of course, but it's the fifth squirrel I've made this year.† I couldn't help but laugh. â€Å"Well, I guess I'm glad for this, then. Maybe†¦Ã¢â‚¬  An idea suddenly came to me. â€Å"Maybe I can give you another project away from her menagerie. Do you have the time?† Girard bowed low. â€Å"Of course.† â€Å"I heard you can work with iron to a certain extent. Here's what I need†¦.† I described my problem with Jasmine and how I needed more flexible restraints that contained as much iron as he could handle. Theoretically, I could have brought over human handcuffs, but I wanted special ones not only for mobility but because I needed bronze or copper somewhere on them so that my guards could touch them if need be. Girard listened thoughtfully, nodding as I spoke. â€Å"Yes, of course I can do this. I can have them for you tomorrow.† â€Å"Whoa, I didn't expect-â€Å" He threw back his head and laughed. â€Å"Your majesty, you forget that we don't forge and work metal like humans do. I order the metal to bend, and it does. The rest is in skill and patience.† I supposed he had a point. I thanked him profusely, telling him that Shaya would settle the price with him later. Once he left, I then set out to find Shaya myself, still needing a report. Before I could, I was intercepted again-this time by Ysabel. She was alone, which I took to mean Dorian had returned to the Oak Land. That was something, at least. I didn't want him camping out around here-particularly after my teary-eyed weakness last night. She came to a halt before me, arms crossed. Whatever fear she'd had from our last lesson seemed to have completely vanished. Maybe Dorian's visit had reassured her. Or maybe she figured she had little to fear from someone who'd spent all of last night moping and drinking away her sorrows. â€Å"My lord says I still cannot leave until we've worked together at least one more time.† â€Å"Bummer,† I said and started to pass her. â€Å"I've got to find Shaya.† She blocked my way again. It was deja vu of the last time she'd accosted me about this. â€Å"Shaya's gone right now. The sooner we get this over with, the better. I know you have nothing else to do with your time right now either. You're simply waiting for your kitsune to throw you some sort of bone.† Alright, now she'd pissed me off, largely because she was right. â€Å"That's not true. I have plenty of things to do. Besides, I don't know if I really need your help anymore. I think at this point it's all just practicing on my own.† With my mind, I reached out, feeling the different types of air around us. I stayed well away from her but pulled together several groups. Now that I understood their individual natures, it wasn't that hard to combine them into larger gusts. I blasted the air through the hall, creating a gust of wind that rivaled the one she'd smugly showed me that first day. Her expression showed disdain, but I swear, there was fear in her eyes again. I remembered what Shaya had said, that I was learning too quickly and too well. â€Å"That is†¦acceptable,† Ysabel said at last. â€Å"But it was clumsy. And you can't combine it with water yet to truly control the weather.† She was right on that, but I felt I had a good enough understanding of both to just keep practicing. â€Å"It'll come with time. I'll be fine on my own.† â€Å"My lord said one more time†¦Ã¢â‚¬  That scornful expression faded now, replaced by uncertainty. â€Å"There is something else†¦something†¦well, you haven't even come close to it yet.† â€Å"I inherited storm magic. Water and air. What else is there?† â€Å"Follow me, and I'll show you-if you can handle it.† There it was, the old attitude. It was almost comforting. She took me back out to the courtyard we'd been in last night. A servant I'd seen around the castle was painstakingly setting more tiles into the ground, expanding the patio area. We stood well away from him, and Ysabel continued keeping her arms crossed over her chest, posture still rigid and defensive. â€Å"I'll be glad when this is over and I can return to the Oak Land. It's obvious my lord misses me.† Her eyes glinted wickedly. â€Å"He made love to me last night with a passion I've never seen before. It left me screaming and aching in ecstasy.† I rolled my eyes and stopped myself from saying, Yeah, because he was thinking of me. â€Å"Let's just get this over with so you can leave and get all the screaming and aching you want. What else was there I needed to know?† â€Å"There's something else in the air,† she said. She bit her lip in thought, trying to articulate her meaning. â€Å"I can feel it, but I'm unable to touch it. Probably you can't either.† â€Å"Can you be a little more specific?† â€Å"It's always there†¦it's like the pieces of the air are†¦prickly. Sharp to the touch. There are more of them, though, before a storm.† I stared stupidly for a moment, and then the human part of me put it together. â€Å"Lightning†¦you're talking about making lightning,† I breathed. What was the scientific term? â€Å"Those are charged particles.† The term meant nothing to her, but she'd nodded when I mentioned lightning. Eagerness flared up in me, and I immediately felt out around me. Sensing all the air molecules was easy now. The only two I could name were oxygen and carbon dioxide. All the others had their own unique feel, but I couldn't say if they were nitrogen or hydrogen or what. After a few minutes of groping with my mind, I shook my head. â€Å"I don't feel anything like that.† Ysabel seemed pleased by this. â€Å"Like I said, you likely aren't strong enough.† â€Å"It's a clear day,† I pointed out. â€Å"There probably aren't any around.† â€Å"No, they're always there. There aren't many today, but I can feel them.† I set my lips into a hard line, trying again. It was just like the old days with Dorian: endless waiting, save that he would have tied me up. Ysabel probably would have too if I'd let her, if only to use the chance to slit my throat. Air, air, air. Every particle unique, yet none of it had the sharp, prickly feel she was describing. Distantly, I remembered the one time I had summoned a storm. I'd been caught by an elemental gentry, on the verge of being raped while my mother lay injured. In my crazy desperation and panic, I'd summoned a storm that nearly leveled my house. I had little memory of how I'd done it, though. The whole thing was a blur, like some kind of dream that- All the hairs on my arms suddenly stood up. There. There, mixed in with other air above us was something†¦well, to put it bluntly, electric. It felt prickly, just as she'd described. I reached for it, trying to control it as I had the other particles, but it was slippery. It was like oil running through my fingers, and I understood now why she couldn't do it. It was a very different phenomenon. Steeling myself, I tried again, and for one heartbeat, I drew them together into a knot. The smell of ozone filled the air, and then I lost my grip. No flash of light, no thunder. But Ysabel's face was aghast. â€Å"You†¦you did it. You shouldn't have been able to†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"I didn't really do anything.† â€Å"You shouldn't have been able to do that†¦not yet†¦. I can't even touch them.† Too fast and too easily. Just like my father. â€Å"I'm nowhere near to being there yet.† I hoped I sounded reassuring. â€Å"This is going to be harder.† I couldn't say how I knew; it was just something I felt. Wielding air, creating wind†¦that would come with practice. Lightning was a different beast. But when I did†¦ I suddenly shivered and was astonished at the exultation that ran through me. If I could learn to create and control lightning†¦Jesus Christ. That kind of power was unimaginable. It was a large part of what had made Storm King so feared. Being able to do that would be unbelievable. Amazing. Exquisite. Being like a god†¦ I snapped myself out of those thoughts, aghast at what I'd been thinking-again. Talk about megalomania. I was no god. Craving that kind of power was wrong; everyone said so. Well, those from the human world, at least. Yet, if I could summon lightning, I could blow a fair number of those fucking demons out of existence. Surely that was a good use of my power. Unfortunately, what I'd said to Ysabel was true. It was going to take awhile, and until I developed some other amazing weapon, those demons were going to keep coming back and- I froze, suddenly forgetting about the phenomenal power I'd just touched. I had a weapon right in front of me, something that might seriously get rid of those demons once and for all. Unfortunately, it was not an easy one to use. â€Å"Son of a bitch,† I said. â€Å"Jasmine.†

The Causes and Consequences of Climate Change Essay

The planet Earth goes through cycles in every aspect of its environment from temperature, to water levels, to levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. There has always been a limit to the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The Earth is like a human body. If a human does not take care of their body through healthy eating and workouts, they become unhealthy and may have health problems. As with Earth, if Earth takes in more heat than it can let out, or vice versa, there will be global climate changes. Earth’s carbon levels have followed a natural cycle throughout the past 800,000 years where the carbon dioxide concentration varied from 180 ppm (parts per million) and 280 ppm which resulted in several changes in the†¦show more content†¦In the current state of the world, the majority of our energy comes from burning fossil fuels which will release carbon dioxide into the air. Without human interference it would have taken millions of years for those fossil fuels to release carbon dioxide into the air which would not have affected the balance. But due to the rapid rate in which fossil fuels are burned, and the deforestation of rainforests, the excess carbon builds up in the atmosphere trapping in heat. As environmental changes sometimes take years to be physically noticed, the increased levels in carbon dioxide may not appear to be a dramatic issue. Some of these environmental issues range from increased sea levels, global average temperature rising, melting of i cecaps and glaciers, and much more. Most of these consequences lead to other world problems which range from economic problems to a lower standard of living. Natural Cycles and Processes of the Environment Scientist can measure carbon levels in the atmosphere from hundreds of thousands of years ago by drilling deep into the ice in Greenland and Antarctic (DalSanto). The ice cores hold air pockets which contain the air from the atmosphere from years ago. By analyzing the atmosphere in the ice cores, they can accurately make graphs describing atmospheric properties like carbon levels. Earth’s atmosphere has gone through natural cycles of carbon concentration in the atmosphere throughout its lifetime. â€Å"CarbonShow MoreRelatedCauses And Consequences Of Climate Change883 Words   |  4 PagesClimate change is happening, slowly but surely. Our earth is warming and the evidence is clear. Rising global temperatures have been displayed through floods, droughts, or intense rain in parts of the world. As we have established earlier, Climate change refers to any significant change in the measures of climate lasting for an extended period of time. In other words, climate change includes major changes in temperature, precipitation, or wind patterns, among other effects, that occur over severalRead MoreCauses And Consequences Of Climate Change1334 Words   |  6 PagesCauses of Climate change Climate change is an issue that is of major concern all around the world. Climate change should be a major concern right now and countries around the world need to implement changes to help improve the current conditions. Countries like the U.S. should set an example for everyone else by enforcing strict regulations on emissions and investing in clean energy sources to prevent further pollution of the planet and extreme weather cases directly linked to climate change. ThereRead MoreCauses And Consequences Of Climate Change858 Words   |  4 PagesHowever, action by earth’s inhabitants was redundant by those whom warned the naà ¯ve of the repercussions at an early stage. This being said climate change is present and has now projected an increase in the cause of diseases as well as death, habitat changes for plants, and severe storms along with hurricanes that will continue to deteriorate the planet. Climate change is present in Earth due to the greenhouse gases that are held or trapped in heat in the atmosphere by absorbing infrared radiation andRead MoreClimate Change And Its Consequences Essay1504 Words   |  7 PagesClimate Change and Its Consequences for Humanity Climate Change is one of the most significant international problems of the XXI century on a planetary scale. The rapid growth of the overall dynamics of disasters is observed in recent decades and causes particular concerns. Climate change that is happening by natural means is accompanied by global warming caused by ill-conceived human activities. Climate change is not a simple increase of temperature. The term global climate change hasRead MoreThe Effects Of Climate Change On The Environment906 Words   |  4 PagesClimate is consistent behavior of temperature, precipitation, humidity, atmospheric pressure and other related environmental factors. Around the globe, temperature a re climbing, sea levels are rising, and season are changing, which means that climate change is transforming our Earth. Climate change indicates negative consequences on the impact to humanity and on the factors of the climate system. By climate change the most endangered is atmosphere, because it changes the composition of uncontrolledRead MoreProblems Related to Climate Change Essay examples1267 Words   |  6 PagesClimate change has been a topic of concern for humanity over the past two decades. In my opinion, it is the best example of the consequences of our actions on our planet. Most countries have taken some efforts and precautions to save the Earth from experiencing further damage. Decline of forests and global warming has affected our lives in more ways than one and in the future, the Earth and its inhabitants might see a more crucial period in their lives, if we neglect this issue. At this point inRead MoreThe Effects of Climate Change: Agriculture and Livestock1078 Words   |  5 Pages Climate change is one of the major issues surfacing earth over the past century. The earth’s temperature has increased over the years leading to detrimental effects on the economic and life sources of people, especially that of agricultural production and livestock. The Merriam-Webster online dictionary (2014), defined climate change as a change in global climate patterns apparent from the mid late 20th century. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC, (2007) predicts that by 2100Read MoreGlobal Warming: Contemporary Issues Companion1526 Words   |  7 PagesIn January 200l the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a group of scientific experts assembled by the United Nations, released a frightening report on the potential consequences of the climate phenomenon known as global warming. The panel found that the 1990s had been the warmest decade on record and predicted that temperatures will rise anywhere from 2.5 to 10.4 degrees around the world over the next century, causing changes to global weather patterns. Indeed, unusual and frequentlyRead MoreA Recipe For Major Security Problems891 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"If we do not change our negative habits toward climate change, we can count on worldwide disruptions in food production, resulting in mass migration, refugee crises and increased conflict over scarce natural resources like water and farm land. This is a recipe for major security problems† Michael Franti. Nevertheless climate change has been an ongoing under addressed problem the world continues to face. If climate change continues it will result in seriously fatal problems such as economic lossRead MoreGlobal Warming And Its Effects1544 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"Global warming is the term used to describe a gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and its oceans, a change that is believed to be permanently changing the Earth’s climate.† (â€Å"Global Warmin g †¦ Effects†). We have been witnessing the change in Earth’s climate since past few years, and we are well aware of the consequences of climate change as well. Global warming has managed to list itself as one of the biggest problem in the world, and according to the researchers and

The Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances Essay

The separation of powers and checks and balances is a system that was created in America by the founding fathers in the constitution of the United States. The separation of power plays an important role of keeping the three branches which are legislative, executive, and judicial in the government systems equal to one another and that neither branches becomes too powerful. Each branch has its very own power and duties to serve to the people and government. All three branches play a significant role in checks and balances and separation of powers, in our government and rely on each other to make sure that all of the power is equally distributed. One out of the three branches is the Legislative Branch which has the power to declare war,†¦show more content†¦The president also has the power of assigning the federal judges, and when to call Congress into session. Likewise, the president has the power to either sign or veto a piece of legislation from Congress. The Judicial branch is in charge of reviewing decisions and understanding federal laws. It is in charge of explaining the laws and having the power to decide if the laws are constitutional (Brand). The Judicial Branch is different from the other branches because, the members are appointed by the president and then approved by the Senate. This branch provides a comfort for the citizens to understand that the branches are dedicated to maintain equality and make sure they are fair laws. Even though, the judicial branch doesn’t have much power, it is just as important as the other two branches. With the separation of powers it gives citizens a voice and makes our government liberal. By providing a check and balance system, it provides less power to the president which doesn’t allow the president to make up the laws as he wishes. The checks and balances provide the citizens to be able to check the effectiveness of the laws made and if someone finds any one law unfair can take actions against it. Therefore the system of checks and balances provides an easy flowing popular system. The Legislative, Executive and Judicial branch are what makes America government system different. It creates an equilibrium ofShow MoreRelatedSeparation of Powers and Checks and Balances654 Words   |  3 Pagesreferring to checks and balances and separation of powers. Both have to do with the Government. But separation of powers is a model of government in which different parts of the government are in charge of different tasks; in the United States, these parts are known as the Legislati ve, Executive, and Judicial. Checks and balances is a means of trying to ensure that these three parts of government stay equal, and that one does not try to take over another. Separation of powers was first introducedRead MoreSeparation Of Powers And Checks And Balances1144 Words   |  5 Pagesframers believed that their government should be based on the separation of powers and checks and balances. This term of separation of powers was coined by Baron de Montesquieu, a French enlightenment writer. For the framers this idea of having separation of powers was mainly to avoid having the majority ruling with a strong hand. They avoided giving any branch of what was now their new government too much power. This idea of separation of powers by the framers was also because they believed that a governmentRead MoreThe Theory, Separation Of Powers With Checks And Balances, And Divided Government1456 Words   |  6 PagesWhy is it so difficult to accomplish anything in American government? The answer lies within three features of American government: the Hyperpluralist theory, separation of powers with checks and balances, and divided government. All these aspec ts of government result in gridlock, â€Å"a condition that occurs when interests conflict and no coalition is strong enough to form a majority and establish policy, so nothing gets done† (19). The first element of government that halts progress in America isRead MoreFederalism, Separation Of Powers, Checks And Balances And The Bill Of Rights1208 Words   |  5 Pages Federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances and the bill of rights are the four main elements that the constitution is made up of. All four of these elements are what made the constitution strong, lasting over two hundred years. Three separate branches were created that had their own specific powers. The government was then given the power to tax and enforce its laws. The structure of how this one document has governed is what makes the constitution unique. The U.S. constitution establishedRead MoreWhy Did the Founding Fathers Create a Constitution Based on the Ideas of Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, Federalism and the Bill of Rights?1533 Words   |  7 Pagesconstitution based on the ideas of separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism and the bill of rights? The founding fathers wanted to create a constitution because many believed that the national government had to be stronger than what it had been with the use of the Articles of Confederation. But at the same time they were fearful of human nature and how often it could be seen in the history of other countries such as Britain, for people in the position of power to infringe on the rights ofRead MoreSystem of Checks and Balances in America Essay1215 Words   |  5 PagesConstitution creates separation of power by dividing the government into three separate branches. These branches include the executive branch, the bicameral legislative branch and judicial branch. In order to ensure that no branch were to overpower the other two branches, the forefathers of the United States of America created a system of checks and balances. Because the United States of America Constitution created the separation of power that is supported by a system of checks and balances, the United StatesRead Mor eThe Constitution Defends a Tyranny-free Government773 Words   |  3 PagesConstitution defends against tyranny are federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances. Federalism is one of the ways that helps defend against tyranny. Federalism granted powers to the central government and to the state. They share a portion of the powers between them, as shown in the diagram, like the power to take and borrow money (Doc A). With overlapping powers, neither groups would have complete control, yet would retain enough power to subdue any uprising made by the other party.Read MoreEssay on Separation of Powers in the US Government877 Words   |  4 PagesThe separation of power throughout the united states government prevents one part of the government from becoming so strong that it can infringe on the freedom of the governed (Bernstein 24). The united states government is a representative republic. A representative republic is a type of democracy where the people elect representatives to vote for them in the nations matters, rather than having every person vote on every single election and issue. The U.S. government is separated into three mainRead Mor eEu - Separation of Power?1629 Words   |  7 PagesIn this essay I shall attempt to analyse whether the separation of powers is respected in the attribution of competences within the European Union. The separation of powers In order to assess this question we first have to consider what the doctrine of separation of powers actually is. The idea was developed by the French jurist Montesquieu in the 18th Century. It is based on a division of power between the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. Each institution have their distinct and largelyRead MoreThe Separation of Powers Doctrine Essay1040 Words   |  5 PagesThe Separation of Powers Doctrine The Separation of Powers Doctrine can be traced as far back as ancient Greece and essentially the meaning attributed to it is the dividing functions of government between groups with different interests, so that no power in the centre can act without the cooperation of others. However there are many interpretations of the doctrine, one being that of Aristotle, who favoured the division of power according to class interests of the

Is Deofes A Journal of the Plague Year Fact or Fiction

Nowadays, infectious diseases have become a major source of mortality and one of the greatest concerns for the society as whole. Equally this was the case during the mid-seventeenth century, when an unexpected plague returned again in Holland. Published in 1722 by Daniel Deofe, the novel was a first-person narrative told by the fictional character of H.F. recalling his experience and events from the plague. It is interesting to know how the author intended the historical novel as a warning to guide and comfort, especially the poor.Classifying the journal as fact or fiction was an issue since its publication being that it involved a fictitious account of a real event. With this idea in mind, I will argue that this detailed tale is a†¦show more content†¦Throughout the reading, I have captured that his style is simple and clear by bring out the main idea of each sentence for the most part. The structure is somehow poorly organized since there is not chapters or sub-topics maki ng it slightly hard to read. The reading is repetitive, in which he brings up the same issues at times. Probably he wants the readers to focus deeply on those points. An example can be his views on the poor people and their current situations. From our first impression, it is clear to say that it is a fictional journal but at the same time Defoe uses real historical resources from numbers and statistics to government documents in writing this novel. I get the sense that he also uses rumor as gossip to entertain his readers. For instance, in the first paragraph he mentions some hearsay about the origin of the plague some said from Italy...others said it was brought from Candia....but all agreed it was come into Holland again. With the idea that the book is very detailed and that Defoe was an infant (5 year-old) at the time of the plague, it is hard to tell where does he get this record of events from. This point opens the possibility that the narrator (H.F.) may be a reference of Def oes own uncle, Henry Foe, with the clue that they share the same initials. Although the novel is written in first-person and signed by H.F. at the end, Defoe neither focus nor talk

World Resources †scarcity and conflict Free Essays

string(271) " think there should be an international one child policy, but as a whole unit we need to find a method to achieve optimum population and taking into consideration a specific area’s carrying capacity and therefore move into the direction of sustainable development\." In the 1960s, one photograph changed the way world leaders, scientists and the general population thought about the management of the world’s resources. People became concerned about the world’s resources running out. This photograph was our Earth. We will write a custom essay sample on World Resources – scarcity and conflict or any similar topic only for you Order Now When world leaders saw this photograph taken from space, the world looked for the first time the world looked small and finite, this is because there is so many people on this planet and there needs to be consideration on what resources we use, and how much we use of them. The term ‘spaceship earth’ is applied here to describe how people felt about the Earth’s resources†¦they were limited just as a spaceship has limited reserves of air, water and food. Before world leaders were in illusion thinking that the world’s resources were in abundance. Some resources are non renewable meaning that after they run out there is no way of replacing them, and they only reform after millions of years these resources are called fossil fuels. There are three types of fossil fuels (crude oil, coal and natural gas). These resources are the resources the world should be concerned about and therefore use it sparingly. However the fossil fuels although the most important are not the only non renewable resources, others include food and forests. There are other resources called renewable energy sources which are starting to be developed such as biomass and wind power which takes the earth’s natural processes such as wind and through certain mechanisms covert it into energy which can be used for electricity. So in answer to the question, the fossil fuels are the most important world resources, however there are other non renewable world resources that have to be carefully used otherwise certain things couldn’t happen, for example imagine what the world would be like without out any wood. When the first maps of the world were created, many parts of the world were not discovered and therefore because society in that day and age believed in sea creatures and mermaids and other such things, everyone thought two things, firstly that at the end of the world was limitless and secondly that at the end of the worlds there were sea monsters. The first maps of the world were flat. Naturally many incorrect assumptions had been made, the world was not limitless and of course no sea monsters. However as countries began to be discovered the world seemed to become limitless and powerful. People began to have a care free attitude about the resources because they thought they would never run out. Things started to go downhill when it was discovered that the world was actually round, people started to believe that the world was not limitless, however they still remained in the delusion that the world’s resources were not going to run out any time soon and then therefore continued with their care free attitude. It was not until the 1960’s that people began to get worried about the world’s resources and decide to do something not to waste electricity (which in theory is the product of fossil fuels). This diagram shows how many people began to care about the world. Background There are two main official views in regard to the world’s resources running out. These are optimists and pessimists: Optimists View Optimists believe that the world’s resources are eventually going to run out, but we can delay that happening, and our future is not doomed. Because the is such talk and media coverage of the world’s resources running out optimists hope that people will alter their lifestyle and take certain measures to delay the world’s resources running out such as turning their computers off at night. Optimists also believe because of advanced technology and science, we can discover more and more alternative fuels, optimists believe that people would use alternative energy sources as it is cheap and therefore more economical. In the future optimists believe that there should be a more equal distribution of the world’s resources. Famous optimists include E.Boserup and J.Simon. Pessimists View These people believe that the world’s resources have a finite limit and could eventually run out or be damaged beyond repair. In 1970, 10 countries, known as the Club of Rome, met in order to discuss resource management. Their report, entitled ‘The Limits to Growth’, made predictions about a world where continued industrial and population growth would consume both resources and food supplies. This Club believed that population increase are the reason why world resources are running out because there is more demand for it; they put forward the idea of preventive checks. An example of one of their ideas is the one child policy; they wanted to make the one child and international policy. Famous pessimists include P.Ehrlich. Factors that are causing the World’s Resources to Decrease There are a few main factors that are causing the world’s resources to decrease. Population Because there is such a growth of population, people are needing more and more energy in their house. This is best displayed in a case study: In the year 2000 Family A (comprising of a husband and wife) used 20,000kg of energy per year. In 2002 they had their first child. Before Family A didn’t watch that much T.V., however now because their child needs entertainment, the T.V. is turned on for the whole day even if the child is not watching. So in 2003 their yearly consumption increased to 25,000kg. Now think of this on an international scale and everyday the population is using up more and more world resources. Optimists say that creating new alternative energy sources rather than using the fossil fuels up, is the way forward. Pessimists say that the way forward is to enforce an international one child policy, to over populated areas to balance the population out to one of an optimum population. However I agree with the pessimists but I don’t think there should be an international one child policy, but as a whole unit we need to find a method to achieve optimum population and taking into consideration a specific area’s carrying capacity and therefore move into the direction of sustainable development. You read "World Resources – scarcity and conflict" in category "Papers" Economic Threats Because of the current economic downturn people are turning to cheaper ways to provide heat, water and electricity to their houses they are put off by the idea of alternative energy sources such as solar panels because they can’t afford it Case Study-Diamonds (Sierra Leone) In this day and age diamonds are such a controversial issue, as most people in the West think diamonds are nice stones that are on their rings, however twenty years ago 40% of all diamonds were somehow in the process of buying/selling at least one illegal transaction was carried out, now due to the Kimberly agreement and other factors including media this figure has decreased to 25%. Diamonds are a world resource that is limited as they will eventually run out. Sierra Leone is a country located in the north west of Africa. Sierra Leone is one of the largest diamond producer in the world this is because of it’s geographical location, it’s relief and finally because it has so many mines. This is still unfortunately has not lead to the economic development of the country, because rebel troops take over the mines and take all profits. Sometimes diamonds are fought over; these diamonds are known as conflict/blood diamonds. Sierra Leone’s Conflict Diamonds In 1991, Sierra Leone a rebel force known as the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) launched assaults against the government. A military government was set up, yet this did not deter the RUF attacks. From the beginning, the RUF became allies with Liberia. Their goal was officially to combat crime and corruption but it soon became clear that their main aim was to take control of the diamond mines. The RUF would take prisoners and enslave them to work in the diamond mines. The work conditions were horrible and they were punished for the slightest things. Anyone opposed to the RUF’s methods and practices would be brutally punished. All this was unknown to – or perhaps ignored by – the outside world for many years. UN studies estimate that about $125 million worth of rough diamonds were bought by the diamond industry in Europe alone! The equivalent of this money is tens of thousands of people killed and even more hurt. It was only in 1999 that the UN deployed a mission to Sierra Leone to deal with the problem of Sierra Leone Conflcit Diamonds. Since then, sanctions have been put in place so as to curb such illegal activities. The Kimberly Process Certification Scheme requires a paper trail that certifies the origin of rough diamonds. This aims to cut off the flow of diamonds from countries like Sierra Leone. The question that remains to be answered today is whether the paper trail that accompanies each diamond shipment is for real. Certificates can be forged. Rough diamonds can be smuggled into a â€Å"clean† country. After that, there would be no way of knowing where the gems came from. There is always a willing market somewhere in another country. Traders and buyers don’t always ask questions. They are just happy to buy and line their pockets. In an area inflicted with suffering and poverty, there is always an official who would be willing to accept bribes. All it takes is one person to overlook a shipment of blood diamonds. For all we know, there might still be a steady flow of rough conflict diamonds coming from the mines of Sierra Leone today. We do not know any of these facts and figures exactly as the Government is reluctant to let media or aid into the country. In 2000 the BBC published a moving article and photo about diamonds in Sierra Leone. Effects of the BBC Article and Photo The BBC article had a resounding effect on the rest f the world not only did people become more interested in where their diamonds came from, but starting to buy ethical diamonds. Also Kanye West (singer) released a controversial song about diamonds in Sierra Leone which caused more and more people to take an interest of the origins of the diamonds. Also Kanye West refused to wear any type of ‘bling’ which influenced many children. Artificial/Man made Diamonds ‘Science have finally found a way to make diamonds-Bad News for Sierra Leone’ this was a news headline a few years ago form the BBC. Everyone knew the time would come when science would be able to find a way to make diamonds. There is a plus side and down side for this, firstly the up side. If more people buy synthetic diamonds because they are cheaper, then more people would stop buying diamonds that have been sold but rebel forces. However on the down side the economy of Sierra Leone is plummeting to all time low because more and more people are buying synthetic diamonds because of the recession. The Kimberly Process The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (Kimberley Process) is an international governmental certification scheme that was set up to prevent the trade in diamonds that fund conflict. Launched in January 2003, the scheme requires governments to certify that shipments of rough diamonds are free from blood diamonds. Case Study-Water (Across the Globe) Water is a world resource as we rely on it thoroughly and if we didn’t have the sad reality is we would die. Water is not at the moment is shortage, but the way consumption is going in the West in the next one hundred years it could well become shortage. We have a good supply of water in the West, however in LEDCs, water is quite hard to lay hands on. Water is one of the prime essentials for life as we know it. The plain fact is – no water, no life! This becomes all the more worrying when we realise that the worlds supply of drinkable water will soon diminish quite rapidly. In fact a recent report commissioned by the United Nations has emphasised that by the year 2025 at least 66% of the worlds population will be without an adequate water supply. Incalculable damage. As a disaster in the making water shortage ranks in the top category. Without water we are finished, and it is thus imperative that we protect the mechanism through which we derive our supply of this life giving fluid. Unfortunately the exact opposite is the case. We are doing incalculable damage to the planets capacity to generate water and this will have far ranging consequences for the not too distant future. Bleak future The United Nations has warned that burning of fossil fuels is the prime cause of water shortage. While there may be other reasons such as increased solar activity it is clear that this is a situation over which we can exert a great deal of control. If not then the future will be very bleak indeed! Already the warning signs are there. Droughts The last year has seen devastating heatwaves in many parts of the world including the USA where the state of Texas experienced its worst drought on record. Elsewhere in the United States forest fires raged out of control, while other regions of the globe experienced drought conditions that were even more severe. Parts of Iran, Afgahnistan, China and other neighbouring countries experienced their worst droughts on record. These conditions also extended throughout many parts of Africa and it is clear that if circumstances remain unchanged we are facing a disaster of epic proportions. Moreover it will be one for which there is no easy answer. Dangers. The spectre of a world water shortage evokes a truly frightening scenario. In fact the United Nations warns that disputes over water will become the prime source of conflict in the not too distant future. Where these shortages become ever more acute it could forseeably lead to the brink of nuclear conflict. On a lesser scale water, and the price of it, will acquire an importance somewhat like the current value placed on oil. The difference of course is that while oil is not vital for life, water most certainly is! Power shift. It seems clear then that in future years countries rich in water will enjoy an importance that perhaps they do not have today. In these circumstances power shifts are inevitable, and this will undoubtedly create its own strife and tension. Nightmare situation. In the long term the implications do not look encouraging. It is a two edged sword. First the shortage of water, and then the increased stresses this will impose upon an already stressed world of politics. It means that answers need to be found immediately. Answers that will both improve the damage to the environment, and also find new sources of water for future consumption. If not, and the problem is left unresolved there will eventually come the day when we shall find ourselves with a nightmare situation for which there will be no obvious answer. Conclusion Overall I feel that we should be optimistic about the resource management in the future however we should guard about being complacent and consequently wasteful. Science is developing quickly and in the future there will be a system of some sort to enable better management of the resources. However again this doesn’t mean we can be wasteful, also we have to make sure that we use certain resources more conservatively to ensure future generations live happily. On the other hand however if we implant many more alternative energy resources (i.e. wind power instead of coal) then future generations will use them as the norm, rather than the present day generation who have to deal with this cross over stage that we are undergoing now-the Government encouraging other sources of energy, however when we look at these the prices are sky high. To ensure that we manage resources so that it is more sustainable, I propose certain plans: 1) Increase price of electricity and gas, decrease price of alternative energy sources (for example solar panels). This would hopefully on the economic side of things encourage people to use alternative fuel. 2) Carry out a major distribution project of the world resources, ensuring each country has roughly the same amount. 3) Set up a kind of police to make sure diamonds are not being sold or mined illegally, through slavery or through violence. This will ensure the decrease the amount of conflict or blood diamonds. Finally, I have outlined five strategies for using more sustainability in my daily life: 1) Have a shower, rather than a bath. This will decrease the amount of water I use, reduce the water bills and make it more efficient cleaning process. 2) When shopping with my parents, I should encourage them to look at the label and check where the product comes from, and therefore try to get the product, which has the least food miles. 3) Encourage my parents to buy energy saving bulbs, which last longer, and are more sustainable. 4) When going out turn off my computer rather than leaving it on standby. 5) When making a cup of tea, don’t fill the kettle right to the top, as that wastes, water and energy. How to cite World Resources – scarcity and conflict, Papers

The news media has a crucial s... free essay sample

The news media has a crucial societal role in providing information to the public. Citizens rely upon this information to make informed judgments and decisions. (Censorship by Media Conglomerates Threatens Democracy) However, the news media is widely viewed as biased. Bias is prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair. When related to media, the term media bias is used to refer to the bias of journalists and news producers within the mass media in the selection of events and stories that are reported and how they are covered. There are many forms of bias. Bias could be shown through selection of stories or features, resulting in one side of a story receiving more unnecessary attention. It could be shown through an absence, or omission, of certain sides of a story, also reverting attention to one side of a story. We will write a custom essay sample on The news media has a crucial s or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page It could be ideological, where people present stories that support a specific world view. It could also be partisan, such as when a political bias is injected into a journalistic reporting, in programming selection, or in some other form of mass communications. Other forms of bias include reporting that favors or is against a particular religion, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, ethnic group, or person. However, there exists a major controversy over whether or not this liberal media bias actually exists. I believe that liberal bias is in the mainstream media and that there is evidence to verify such a claim. This bias can be seen in many different ways. Media bias has an assortment of sources. It is possible that the bias reflects the world view of the owner of the media outlet. However, in the United States, big corporations own most major news organizations, and the goal of these markets is to maximize profits rather than pursue personal views. This would cause the news organizations to bias their stories to fit the demands of the audience. This is a possible incentive for a news organization to tailor their stories to a particular audience. Mark Crispin Miller, a media critic, argues that the interests of the public in a political debate and serious journalism are being compromised by corporations more interested in making money than in informing the populace. (Media Monopolies Are a Serious Problem) But firstly, to argue that the liberal mainstream media is biased, one must first prove that the mainstream media is indeed liberal. According to the article, Liberal Media Bias Is Not a Myth, opinion surveys found that 80% to 90% of the national press voted for the Democrat Party in both the Nixon/McGovern and Reagan/Mondale presidential elections, even though both Nixon and Reagan carried 49 states. In 1992, a study showed that 91% of the media members who were interviewed said that they had voted for the Democratic presidential candidate. (Wilson) By major contrast, only 43% of the public had voted for the Democratic Party that year. Also, it has been found that even the public believes that members of the media are liberals . A 2003 Gallup Poll found that 45% of Americans believe the media is too liberal. (Wilson) In summary, all the data points to a liberal mainstream media. In the United States, the journalistic philosophy in many media documents is that the press should remain neutral and objective when reporting the news, not biased and subjective. However, it can also be argued that at root, media quality is a subjective matter. (Media Consolidation Does Not Threaten Free Speech) The question is then raised: Do the beliefs of the national media affect how they report the news? Is the media doing what is best for the public interest? Media devoted to the public interest would investigate the poor performance by the CIA, the FBI, the FAA, and the CDC in order to improve those agencies for our protection. However, news teams have failed to look into these issues. (Media Monopolies Are a Serious Problem) Unbalanced reporting, or coverage adding emphasis on issues on which a party is viewed as strong by the voters can create partisan bias. Studies have found that all three major networks, PBS, NPR, and mostly all major U.S. papers constitute the liberal press and have been found to have unbalanced reporting. Among these are the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and USA Today. (Liberal Media Bias Is Not a Myth). To further solidify the argument that these news organizations lean to the liberal side of things, it was revealed that in 2008, the Democratic Party received a total donation of $1,020,816 by 1,160 employees of the three major broadcast television networks, while the Republican Party received only $142,863. Lastly, when the GDP increased by 2.0 in Obamas 3rd quarter, he was praised by the New York Times. However, going back to the same October of 1992, Bushs 2.7 GDP growth was said to be disappointing.